Akai AMX & AFX Serato DJ Controllers Review

Overview

The Akai AFX is a small controller that lets users perform with multi-color performance pads, effects, hotcues, slicer, loops, navigation, and the new Serato Flip expasion while the Akai AMX is a mixing console & Serato DJ interface that controls the EQ, filters, headphones, volume linefaders, a mini-innofader crossfader and DVS Capable RCA inputs and outputs. Check out our full video review to see if these controllers are right for you.

Review Video & Demo

Unboxing Video

Setup & First Impressions

The Akai AFX and AMX controllers have a really thin and low profile body made up of plastic, but feels sturdy enough to handle the normal use and abuse put forth by DJ's. The knobs are all metal posts underneath, so they won't easily snap off. Both controllers are compact and easy to transport or fit inside of a DJ booth. The Akai AMX Mixing console controller comes bundled with the full Serato DJ software and unlocks the software for use. A DJ could play a whole gig with just the AMX alone as there are transport controls and all the other mixing controls that are needed. The Akai AFX does not come bundled with any Serato DJ software so the user must already have Serato DJ working on their computer via another controller, mixer, or Serato Soundcard. The AFX is an auxiliary controller for a Serato DJ setup. The AFX has all the additional Serato DJ functional controls such as the FX, Hotcues, Flip, Loops, Roll, Slicer, and the Sampler.

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Conclusion / Recommended For

In Conclusion, the Akai AMX & AFX Serato DJ Controllers are a powerful but compact setup that gives great control over the Serato DJ software by themselves or when paired with Serato timecode DVS setups or other Serato Controllers. The AMX & AFX are small and compact which make them ideal for traveling, storage, or fitting into a DJ booth. The AMX & AFX both have the touch sensitive controls from the Numark NV/NS7 Pro II which control EQ and FX. The AMX is the most affordable Serato DJ DVS Control mixer that can be puchased when paired with the additional $99 Serato DVS Expansion pack. The AMX also has that buttery smooth Mini Innofader crossfader which is great for scratching and mixing. The AFX has Serato DJ Controls, pads, and a neat touchstrip for controlling all the advanced features within Serato DJ.

On the downside, the Akai AMX volume output in the RCA and headphone jack is not as loud as other standalone mixers. The AMX is still a great performer and does get loud enough to play gigs, but just not as loud as other mixers out there. The AMX is also not a standalone mixer, which means the external inputs can't be used without Serato DJ software & Serato DJ DVS Expansion pack. The AFX does not have a slip-mode button which could be useful for lots of loops and hot cue fun.

These minor gripes still don't change the fact that these compact controllers give users very powerful control over the Flagship Serato DJ Software. The DJbooth.net team is going to HIGHLY recommend the Akai AMX and AFX controllers as they both have great value for the money and allow users to take more control over their custom setup and performance.

Akai has just announced that they are releasing two brand new modular/mini controllers for the Serato DJ software. The Akai AFX is a small controller that lets users manipulate multi-color RGB performance pads, effects, hotcues, slicer, loops, navigation, and the new Serato Flip expasion while the Akai AMX is a mixer-like device that controls the EQ, filters, headphones, two volume linefaders, a mini-innofader crossfader and DVS Capable RCA inputs and outputs.

The new Akai AFX & AMX controllers are on full display at the 2014 DJ Expo and Ross was on hand to give us a complete rundown video of the features. The Akai AFX is a small controller that lets users manipulate multi-color RGB performance pads, effects, hotcues, slicer, loops, navigation, and the new Serato Flip expasion while the Akai AMX is a mixer-like device that controls the EQ, filters, headphones, two volume linefaders, a mini-innofader crossfader and DVS Capable RCA inputs and outputs.

Serato has just announced that its new Serato DJ 1.7.1 update has been released to add support for the new Akai AMX modular mixing controller and for regular housekeeping bug fixes. Check out our quick first impressions video of the Akai AMX that we completed at the 2014 DJ Expo two months ago and the full press release including all of the new improvements in the Serato DJ 1.7.1 update.